Comparative analysis of the typology, seasonality and economic cost of human-wildlife conflict in Kajiado and Laikipia Counties, Kenya

Abstract

Human –wildlife conflicts (HWC) affect the social-economic aspects of millions of people across the world and is one of the most important challenges facing wildlife conservation. Long-term data collection provides an opportunity to critically understand HWC trends and enable wildlife stakeholders to create evidence-based solutions for co-existence of people and wildlife. We used Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) data for the 2010-2018 period to analyse trends in typology, seasonality and economic costs of HWC in Kajiado and Laikipia Counties in Kenya. A total of 953 HWC reported cases in the two counties were analysed. Wildlife threats to human life, crop damage and livestock predation were the common form of HWC, contributing 65.7% (n=626), 21.7% (n=207), and 7.7% (n=73) respectively. Apart from livestock predation (t=2.431; P=0.028) all other types of HWC did not show any significant differences in the two counties over the nine-year period. Elephants were responsible for the highest conflict cases (79%, n=753) followed by baboons (6.9%, n=66). Elephants contributed to the highest human fatality and injuries (43%, n=10); while snakes and buffalo were second, each contributing to 17% (n=4) of the total cases. Majority of the HWC occurred in the dry season months of July (n=114), January (n=99) and October (n=96). The overall trend indicated increasing HWC cases over the 9 years in both counties. The analysis of economic cost of HWC showed that a total of 64.09 hectares of crops were damaged in 2010-2018, with 70% of the cases reported in Kajiado County. In terms of predation, Kajiado lost livestock worth KES 1,785, 000 (U$ 16,780.53) while Laikipia lost KES 407,000 (U$ 3826.15). This study provides empirical evidence that can be used to develop strategies for mitigating HWC based on types, seasons and conflict species.

Comparative Analysis of Monetary Transaction Cost of Human-Wildlife Conflict in Mt. Kenya and Amboseli Ecosystems, Kenya

“…For example, Nair and Jayson (2021) documented the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) damage to major cash crops including plantain (Musa paradisiaca), rubber (Hevea brasiliensis), areca nut (Areca catechu) and coconut (Cocos nucifera) in Malappuram district in India; in the United State of America, coyotes kill an average of 300,000 head of livestock annually (United States Department of Agriculture-USDA, 2020). Similarly, several studies documented livestock predation around Serengeti and Ruaha National Parks in Tanzania (for example Kalyahe et al, 2022) and Kajiado County in Kenya (for example Manoa & Mwaura., 2016;Manoa et al, 2020b).…”

Assessment of Socio-economic Impact of Human-wildlife Conflict on Agriculture: A Case of Smallholder and Subsistence Farmers in Eastern Bhutan

“…Crop raiding is a common challenge for farmers globally (Mukherjee et al [8]; Manoa et al [9]). A study by the National Plant Protection Centre and World Wildlife Fund [10] in Bhutan, revealed that crop raiding is far greater in scope and magnitude than livestock loss, indicating the significant loss due to crop raiding in the country.…”

Socio - Economic Impacts of Human - Wildlife Conflicts in Kieni Sub -County, Kenya

“…For example, in Tanzania, according to Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (2019), spotted hyena were reported to have killed 14 people in addition to injuring 24 others between year 2016 and 2018. Likewise, in Laikipia and Kajiado Counties which are in Kenya, human-wildlife conflicts analysis indicated that 64.09 hectares of crops were destroyed by different wild animal species from 2010 to 2018 Manoa et al (2020). During the similar time, Manoa et al (2020) observed that Kajiado County (Kenya) had a loss of livestock valued at KSH 1,785,000 (US $ 16,780.53) whereas Laikipia County loss was valued at KSH 407,000 (US $ 3826.15).…”

“…According to Fauna and Flora International (2014), opportunity cost is a loss suffered by taking a certain action in opposition to human-wildlife conflicts rather than other more favoured and valuable alternatives. Opportunity costs are among the societal problems encountered by communities that live near the areas for conservation of wild animals Manoa (2020). Mariki (2016) for instance, noted that water pipes damage by elephants in West Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) was as a result of people walking for long distances looking for water instead of engaging themselves into other chores that are social and economic.…”